You are reading a single comment by @Booga and its replies. Click here to read the full conversation.
  • I guess if the inference is that folk are using the bothies for fires and beers (maybe driving out with this as express purpose) rather than a rest-stop on walks etc that would be annoying for those trying to rely on a place to sleep over a multi-day hike. But don't blame the fireside beers....

  • To be fair some of the "beers round the fire" types are the very people who volunteer their time and effort to maintain bothies (I know a few maintenance organisers and have attended a few work parties myself) and bothy culture has always included the social nights, not just using them on multi day hikes.
    But those which are more easily accessible are more likely to be busy with the "walk in just to stay the night and walk out again" brigade, especially at weekends and judging by the constant posts on facebook asking if they're open yet I can see some of the more popular huts being busy once the MBA give the go-ahead.
    I've spent around 50 nights in around 30 different bothies and so far have only had one experience soured by tossers, this was in a bothy that was less than an hour's walk from the road.

  • The vast majority of users are sound, like with anything. Only ever had one un-easy night, maybe used around 15-20 of them for around 50 nights over 10 years, was two central Scottish guys who had effectively driven 5 miles up a forestry track in order to transport an entire VW golf's worth of beer and fishing gear to have a multi-day bender. Gave the impression they were going to knife you in your sleep, but were actually totally sound, just don't feel any single female travelers would have stayed inside with the way they were going on.
    Haven't used any in past 18 months, but been past a few and they've been open, though a firm notice on the door that basically says 'don't use unless its an emergency'.

    You can get most places on a bike like that, just on the dry but looser stuff you'll be cooking your brakes and getting arm/hand spasm's from all the braking and holding on rather than full gas mtb type enjoyment. Quite a few places where you'll have to stop and clamber down a small drop off, so long as you don't do it at night and have solid brakes/sense of self saving, you'll be fine!
    Defo pack a few spare brake pads though

About

Avatar for Booga @Booga started